This guide offers a comprehensive view of Hong Kong, seamlessly blending rich cultural heritage with stunning natural landscapes, making it an ideal destination for family visits. It features a meticulously planned five-day itinerary that includes visits to iconic skyscrapers, historic sites like Man Mo Temple and Tai Kwun in Central, and serene natural escapes like Lamma Island’s hiking trails and beaches. You’ll also explore the spiritual allure of the Big Buddha and the vibrant shopping districts of Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui. From enjoying local cuisine and participating in family-friendly events to visiting major attractions like Disneyland and Ocean Park, this guide is your key to experiencing all the diverse activities Hong Kong has to offer. Compiled by a resident who has lived in Hong Kong for over a decade and raised a family here, it provides firsthand insights into the city’s family-friendly adventures. Keep this guide at your fingertips to fully explore the dynamic environment of Hong Kong.
More Hong Kong Family-Friendly Guides:
Morning
Start your adventure in Central, where you can enjoy breathtaking views from the Hong Kong Observation Wheel. After soaking in the sights, delve into the rich history and culture of the area by visiting Tai Kwun, a revitalized heritage site featuring art exhibitions and cultural events. Don’t miss the Man Mo Temple, a beautiful tribute to the gods of literature and war, and stroll along Lascar’s Row on Hollywood Road, known for its charming antique shops. Explore PMQ, a vibrant creative hub located in the heart of Hong Kong, originally built in the 1950s to house police officers and their families. Today, it has been revitalized into a dynamic space that showcases local design and innovation. Home to over 100 studios and shops, PMQ features unique offerings ranging from fashion and art to culinary delights.
Lunch
Explore our guide to the best family-friendly restaurants in Central, which includes everything from pizzas to salads and beyond. If you prefer to indulge in some delicious dim sum for your first meal, check out these kid-approved spots here.
Afternoon
Afterward, treat yourself to a relaxing foot massage at Gao’s or Ten Feet Tall to recharge for the day ahead - or drop by Snack Baby Gelato or Messina for some ice cream. Take a ride on the Mid-Levels escalator, the world's longest outdoor covered escalator - where you can see shops and restaurants along the way, including the Insta-famous Bakehouse and Vission Bakery. Walk to Hong Kong Botanical Gardens and Hong Kong Park. The aviary within Hong Kong Park is particularly enchanting for children and adults alike, and there's also a great playground for kids to enjoy.
Morning
On your second day, make your way to Victoria Peak via the iconic Peak Tram. Beat the crowds and purchase your tickets in advance - it also opens early (7:30am!) perfect for those early risers. Once at the top, take in panoramic views of Hong Kong and stop for breakfast at Rajasthan Rifles or The Peak Lookout. You can either walk back down via Old Peak Road (quite steep but quick) or the Morning Trail (longer). Both trails are well-paved and stroller-friendly and allow you to take in the lush greenery.
Lunch/Afternoon
If your children love theme parks, Hong Kong offers an exciting array. Choose from Hong Kong Disneyland, which is ideal for younger kids (they will also love the Disney-themed dim sum at Crystal Lotus), or Ocean Park which caters to all ages and has attractions that include penguins, pandas, and thrilling rides. Don't miss Waterworld Ocean Park for a splash of fun. Each park boasts ample activities to keep the whole family entertained for hours.
Morning
Start your day with a Star Ferry ride from Central to Tsim Sha Tsui (TST), taking in stunning views of Hong Kong's skyline from the water. Stroll along the Avenue Of Stars, and drop into the Hong Kong Space Museum or the Science Museum. The wondrous K11 MUSEA is nearby - a great shopping destination with brands from all over the world. It also houses the Legoland Discovery Center, where you can see a replica city of Hong Kong all made out of LEGO. Other kid-friendly attractions are the Donut Playhouse and Slime It! If you prefer to do something more cultural, visit the Chi Lin Nunnery (20-min drive away), where you can admire its serene gardens and traditional architecture.
Lunch
Enjoy some of the finest xiao long bao and dim sum in the city at Din Tai Fung. For children with simpler tastes, consider the buffet selections at Regent Hong Kong or The Peninsula Hong Kong. If you're looking for more affordable dining options, the eateries at AIRSIDE, Harbour City, or K11 MUSEA offer great value.
In the afternoon, take a taxi to the West Kowloon Cultural District, where you can visit both M+ Museum and Palace Museum. These cultural hubs provide engaging experiences for families interested in art and history. Have dinner there or head back to TST.
Morning/lunch
Embark on a ferry ride to Lamma Island, known for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful hiking trails, which are family and stroller-friendly. Spend some time exploring this tranquil island, enjoying fresh seafood at local restaurants like those found in Sok Kwu Wan.
Afternoon
After a morning of cultural exploration, unwind at Lamma Beach, an idyllic spot perfect for families. The gentle waves make it safe for swimming, while the soft sand invites kids to unleash their creativity through building sandcastles. This beach offers a laid-back atmosphere where parents can relax under the sun as children play nearby.
Morning
A visit to the majestic Big Buddha on Lantau Island is a must-do when in Hong Kong. Take the MTR to Tung Chung Station (about a 30-35 minute journey from Central) and once there take a ride on the Ngong Ping Cable Car first, which offers stunning aerial views of the lush Lantau landscape and the South China Sea. The 25-minute cable car ride from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping Village is not only convenient but also provides a unique perspective of the island; first rides start at 10:00am. Once there, you can explore the Po Lin Monastery and the towering 34-meter-tall Tian Tan Buddha statue, one of the largest seated outdoor bronze Buddha statues in the world.
Lunch
There are many family-friendly restaurants like traditional Chinese tea houses and international cafés there but one notable spot is the vegetarian restaurant of the Po Lin Monastery, serving a range of delicious, simple dishes that reflect the Buddhist way of life.
Afternoon
If the weather is good, consider spending the afternoon and evening at Lower Cheung Sha Beach (check out Bathers), known for its long stretches of soft sand and serene waters, ideal for relaxation and water activities. Alternatively, Treasure Island offers a delightful escape with its vibrant beach atmosphere and ample opportunities for water sports and beachside dining, making it a perfect spot for a family outing or a leisurely day by the sea.
Day | Morning Activities | Lunch Options | Afternoon Activities |
---|---|---|---|
Day 1: Central & Cultural Exploration | Hong Kong Observation Wheel- Tai Kwun (art and culture)- Man Mo Temple- Lascar’s Row on Hollywood Road- PMQ | Family-friendly restaurants in Central- Pizzas, salads, dim sum | Foot massage (Gao’s, Ten Feet Tall)- Ice cream (Snack Baby Gelato, Messina)- Mid-Levels escalator- Hong Kong Botanical Gardens- Hong Kong Park (aviary and playground) |
Day 2: The Peak & Theme Parks | Victoria Peak via Peak Tram- Breakfast at Rajasthan Rifles or The Peak Lookout- Walk down via Old Peak Road or Morning Trail | Hong Kong Disneyland or Ocean Park- Disney-themed dim sum at Crystal Lotus (Disneyland)- Attractions at Ocean Park | Theme park activities (continued from lunch) |
Day 3: Kowloon Adventures | -Star Ferry to Tsim Sha Tsui (TST)- Avenue Of Stars- Hong Kong Space Museum- Science Museum- K11 MUSEA (shopping and Legoland Discovery Center) | -Din Tai Fung for xiao long bao and dim sum- Buffet at Regent Hong Kong or The Peninsula- Affordable options at AIRSIDE, Harbour City, K11 MUSEA | West Kowloon Cultural District- M+ Museum and Palace Museum- Dinner options in TST |
Day 4: Island Escapades | Ferry to Lamma Island- Explore trails and local restaurants in Sok Kwu Wan | Lunch at local seafood restaurants on Lamma Island | Lamma Beach (swimming, sandcastles) |
Day 5: The Big Buddha & Beach | MTR to Tung Chung Station- Ngong Ping Cable Car to Ngong Ping Village- Explore Po Lin Monastery and Tian Tan Buddha | Vegetarian restaurant at Po Lin Monastery | Afternoon and evening at Lower Cheung Sha Beach or Treasure Island (beach activities and dining) |
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